Notifiable work and notifiable events: what to tell WorkSafe
Two different things get confused under HSWA: notifiable work, which you tell WorkSafe about before it starts, and notifiable events, which you report after they happen. Getting both right is part of a PCBU's duties.
Notifiable work
Certain higher-risk activities must be notified to WorkSafe New Zealand before work begins — for example some scaffolding over five metres, certain excavation work, and restricted asbestos work. Check WorkSafe's current guidance for the exact triggers, as they carry specific notice periods.
Notifiable events
A notifiable event is a death, a notifiable injury or illness, or a notifiable incident (a dangerous near-miss) arising from work. These must be reported to WorkSafe as soon as possible, and the site where it happened generally must not be disturbed until WorkSafe says otherwise, except to help an injured person or make the site safe.
Keep the log
Whether or not an event crosses the notifiable threshold, keeping a clear incident log — what happened, when, and what you did — is both good practice and the evidence you'll rely on later.
Questions, answered
How quickly must a notifiable event be reported?
As soon as possible after becoming aware of it. Serious events must also be preserved — the site generally can't be disturbed until WorkSafe authorises it, other than to help an injured person or make the area safe.
Where do I notify WorkSafe?
Through WorkSafe New Zealand's notification channels (online or by phone). Check WorkSafe's current guidance for notifiable work triggers and notice periods, as these are specific and can change.
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Complys keeps your hazardous-work records, incident log and certificates in one place so notifiable work and events are captured and evidenced — free for 90 days.
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